Sunday, September 14, 2008

'I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library'

Hi all,

The quote "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library" is from my favourite author, a librarian, Borges, from "Poema de los Dones," in El Hacedor. I've worked in a few libraries now and while not one is actually a paradise there are wonderful worlds in each one.

The first library I worked in was Bankstown City Libraries which was and still is ahead of its time as a public library. Then it was their branch library at Padstow which in the village near the library had an excellent pastry store with glazed fruit tarts that were the perfect way to liven up morning tea times with their delicious flavours.

Next it was the serials section at Fisher Library. Over 30000 journals from all over the world were processed there! The Victoria Park swimming pool was a great place for a lunch time dip located in the park outside the building.

At Tweed Heads I found myself in the retirement capital of the world! One of the most beautiful shires in New South Wales, it has three libraries which are located at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Murwillumbah. A great memory is driving to Murwillumbah library in the morning via the back road and seeing the flowering buckinghamias with their white tendril flowers along the streetscape.

Now its Brisbane Square Library. A new library for Brisbane complete with booksorter, river views, and the beautiful historic building, the Treasury Casino across the Square.